Help us preserve and protect our region

Our work to study, share, preserve, and protect this region’s ecosystems has never been more important. By becoming a member or making a gift, you ensure that we can continue to explore, document, and protect our region and the incredibly unique species that call it home.

Your gift supports everything we do—from preserving our extensive collections to continuing the ongoing exploration of our region to the exhibitions and education programs that make science accessible to all. We couldn’t do it without you!

You can make a difference in the future of our region by giving today!

Make a gift when you visit the Museum – any staff member will be delighted to help you!

You can also make a gift from your donor-advised fund or through a charitable IRA distribution. See below for more information or call 619.255.0359 to choose the option that is best for you.

Making a gift from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

A donor-advised fund can be a great tool to effectively manage your philanthropy. Distributions from your donor-advised fund are made directly through the managing organization to The Nat in the amount that you specify.

DAF distributions can support any number of initiatives at the Museum, but there are some restrictions. Since the tax-deduction was made at the time the amount was given to the managing organization, your distribution to The Nat must be 100% tax-deductible and you cannot receive goods and/or services in exchange for your gift. This means that your DAF cannot be used to pay for membership, tickets including gala registrations, or to fulfill any existing pledges.

If you have questions about what you can do with your donor-advised fund, please call us at 619.255.0359.

Making a non-taxable gift from your IRA

Those who are 70½ years or older can give up to $100,000 directly to a qualified nonprofit organization, such as The Nat, from your IRA without counting the gift as taxable income.

Your IRA custodian must send the sum directly to the charity you designate, rather than you giving the money to the non-profit organization yourself. No income tax will be due on this money if gifted as a transfer. You don’t have to itemize your tax deductions and it can satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution from your IRA for the year or even reduce your adjusted gross income.

If you have questions about making a non-taxable gift from your IRA, please call us at 619.255.0359.